Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur – 2021 Carabao Cup Final

A lot has changed in the world of soccer this week. The proposed European Super League has come and gone, and in case you missed it, Tottenham sacked Jose Mourinho!

Ryan Mason will lead Spurs into the EFL Cup final against Manchester City on Sunday, April 25, meaning Pep Guardiola’s side is the firm favorite to lift the trophy.

Does Tottenham stand any chance of upsetting the odds? Keep reading this Carabao Cup final betting preview to find my Manchester City vs. Tottenham Hotspur prediction and pick.

Let’s face it – Man City was always going to be the favorite to win this match. But following Mourinho’s departure, Tottenham’s chances of upsetting the odds have become even slimmer.

Guardiola’s men beat Spurs 3-0 in the Premier League back in February – and the best online sportsbooks are clearly expecting a similar result this time around.

Man City’s preparations for Sunday’s final have not been overly convincing by their own high standards.

After losing to Leeds United a fortnight ago, Guardiola’s side was knocked out of the FA Cup semi-finals by Chelsea last weekend – ending any lingering talk of the quadruple.

Still, it is important to remember just how good City has been this year.

Guardiola’s men have made light work of their EFL Cup opponents this season, seeing off Bournemouth, Burnley, Arsenal, and Manchester United on their way to reaching the final.

The club has recently endured a couple of slip-ups, but City heads into Sunday’s showpiece as the rightful favorite.

A run of just one win in five league games ultimately spelled the end of Mourinho’s reign in North London. 17 months after landing the job, the Portuguese was fired on Monday – having achieved very little.

Led by interim head coach Ryan Mason, Spurs claimed a 2-1 victory over Southampton on Wednesday. Gareth Bale capped off a standout display with a goal before Son Heung-min netted a late winner.

Mason will be pleased that Bale and Son managed to get on the scoresheet last time out, although Harry Kane is still an injury doubt for Sunday.

It goes without saying that Kane holds the key to Tottenham’s chances of upsetting Man City. Not only has he scored 31 goals this season, but he has also chipped in with a whopping 16 assists.

Mourinho is renowned for outwitting his opponents in big games, so the timing of his sacking is questionable.

That said, even the self-proclaimed “Special One” would have struggled to get the better of Guardiola’s winning machine on Sunday.

Following Mourinho’s departure, Mason has been left with the thankless task of leading Tottenham into a cup final against arguably the strongest team in world soccer.

I’m sure the Spurs players will give their all for the interim head coach, but I just can’t see them beating Man City.

Even if Kane is fit enough to play on Sunday, Guardiola’s team boasts more than enough firepower to secure the trophy.